Property buying guide

Buying property in Turkey: the general framework, step by step

General information prepared for foreign buyers. Details vary by property, nationality and financing.

Buying property in Turkey, step by step

Seven steps from research to the title deed — and beyond

For each step we outline what is prepared, which authority is involved and what to watch for. Timings and requirements vary from case to case.

Step 1

Research and legal due diligence

Before deciding to buy, the title record, any encumbrances, the zoning status and the occupancy certificate (iskân) are reviewed. For foreign buyers, military restricted and security zone limitations and the reciprocity position are also assessed in general terms. Issues identified at this stage have a direct bearing on the terms of the agreement.

Title record and registered owner
Mortgages, attachments and annotations
Zoning status and occupancy certificate

Usually from a few days to a few weeks

Step 2

Tax number and bank account

A foreign buyer needs a tax identification number for land registry transactions and payments; it is obtained from the tax office on presentation of a passport. Opening an account with a bank in Turkey is, in most cases, a practical step so that the purchase price can be transferred in a traceable way.

Valid passport
Tax identification number
Bank account in Turkey

In most cases the same day or within a few days

Step 3

Valuation report

For acquisitions by foreign nationals, a valuation report prepared by a CMB-licensed (SPK) valuation firm is required for the land registry transaction. The report sets out the current value of the property and the general condition of the building. If a citizenship application is being considered, it is also important that the report is suitable for that purpose.

CMB-licensed valuation firm
Validity period of the report
Consistency of value and contract price

Usually a few working days

Step 4

Land registry application and appointment

An application is made to the land registry office responsible for the property and an appointment is booked for the transfer. The file includes identification, the tax number, the valuation report, photographs and, where needed, notarised translations and an apostilled power of attorney. The title deed fee and the revolving fund charge are calculated at this stage.

Complete application documents
Translation and apostille requirements
Payment of fees and revolving fund charge

The appointment date depends on the registry office’s workload

Step 5

Transfer at the land registry

On the day of the appointment, the buyer and seller, or their attorneys, attend the land registry office and the official deed is signed. A sworn interpreter must be present for any party who does not speak Turkish. Payment of the purchase price is planned in advance so that it takes place simultaneously with signature and by a traceable method.

Sworn interpreter
Payment method and timing
Checking the new title deed

Usually completed on the day of the appointment

Step 6

Residence permit or citizenship application

Property ownership may, under certain conditions, serve as a basis for a short-term residence permit application, which is filed through the e-İkamet system. Citizenship by investment is subject to separate conditions and official assessment. In both cases, the outcome rests with the assessment of the authorities concerned.

Choosing the type of application
Health insurance and documents
Confirming current conditions with official sources

Assessment times vary by authority and type of application

Step 7

After the transfer

After the transfer, the compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) policy should be issued in the owner’s name, a property tax declaration made and contact established with the management regarding service charges. Electricity, water and gas subscriptions are transferred to the new owner. These steps put the day-to-day use of the property in order.

DASK policy
Property tax declaration
Service charges and utility transfers

Usually within a few weeks after the transfer

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This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.